Seminarians reach milestone as newly instituted acolytes, lector
April 5, 2025 at 8:57 p.m.
Seminarian Brian Leonard and Bishop Lucia pose for a photo after Mass. Leonard was instituted a lector by Bishop Lucia during an April 5 Mass in Mount St. Mary Seminary. Courtesy photos Three seminarians from the Diocese of Trenton who are studying in Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., reached milestones on their journeys toward diaconal and priestly ordination.
During an April 5 Mass celebrated by Bishop Douglas J. Lucia of Syracuse, N.Y., Brian Leonard was instituted as a lector while Benedict Quiambao and Nicholas Alescio were instituted as acolytes.
Lectors are charged with proclaiming the Word of God in the liturgical assembly, instructing children and adults in the faith and preparing them to receive the Sacraments worthily.
Acolytes serve at the altar, assisting the deacon and priest at Mass and as special ministers to give Holy Communion to the faithful during the liturgy and to the sick.
Among the concelebrating priests from the Diocese were Msgr. Thomas Mullelly, diocesan episcopal vicar for clergy and consecrated life and director of seminarians, and Father Pablo Gadenz, who currently serves on the faculty of Mount St. Mary Seminary.
Brian Leonard, who was instituted a lector, receives a Bible from Bishop Lucia. 
Bishop Lucia hands the paten and chalice to Nicholas Alescio, who was instituted an acolyte.
Seminarian Benedict Quiambao kneels before Bishop Lucia as Quiambao is instituted an acolyte.
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Seminarian Brian Leonard and Bishop Lucia pose for a photo after Mass. Leonard was instituted a lector by Bishop Lucia during an April 5 Mass in Mount St. Mary Seminary. Courtesy photos Three seminarians from the Diocese of Trenton who are studying in Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., reached milestones on their journeys toward diaconal and priestly ordination.
During an April 5 Mass celebrated by Bishop Douglas J. Lucia of Syracuse, N.Y., Brian Leonard was instituted as a lector while Benedict Quiambao and Nicholas Alescio were instituted as acolytes.
Lectors are charged with proclaiming the Word of God in the liturgical assembly, instructing children and adults in the faith and preparing them to receive the Sacraments worthily.
Acolytes serve at the altar, assisting the deacon and priest at Mass and as special ministers to give Holy Communion to the faithful during the liturgy and to the sick.
Among the concelebrating priests from the Diocese were Msgr. Thomas Mullelly, diocesan episcopal vicar for clergy and consecrated life and director of seminarians, and Father Pablo Gadenz, who currently serves on the faculty of Mount St. Mary Seminary.
Brian Leonard, who was instituted a lector, receives a Bible from Bishop Lucia. Bishop Lucia hands the paten and chalice to Nicholas Alescio, who was instituted an acolyte.Seminarian Benedict Quiambao kneels before Bishop Lucia as Quiambao is instituted an acolyte.